Have you ever wonderedwhat kind of phone you have ? No , seriously . Have you held a earpiece in your paw that has no identifying marks on it and postulate yourself , “ What the hell is this ? ” before flap down it against the table like the meme of Patrick Star in the Spongebob Squarepants time of year 3 episode “ Wet Painters ? ”

Believe it or not , yes , sometimes hoi polloi necessitate some help finding out what their earphone is . Some folk , like my fellow worker and Android expert Florence Ion , could assure you what kind of phone you have just by looking at the curve of the carapace ’s corners . For the rest of us , the much less technologically adept , it ’s a far more involved process . Perhaps you have had your earphone for so long that the name ’s been lost to time ( you should probably confirm whether you ’re still getting security updates ) . Perhaps you ’re the beneficiary of a hand - me - down gimmick of foreign , alien origin .

How to tell what kind of iPhone you have

Apple make itpretty easyto tell what form of phone you have on you . If you could still turn it on and unlock it , you could see the phone ’s model number by going into configurations and then hitting the General and About Tabs . The iPhone ’s model should be displayed conspicuously , starting with an “ A ” and then another four numbers .

After that , go to Apple’sphone theoretical account pageand hit CMD+F to find your specific example routine in the lean , or else scroll around until you find it . All iPhones are going back to the iPhone X before part with an “ A1 , ” while later models started to break into the “ A2 ” category . If you want to find the right phone base on looks alone , the varlet is helpful by offer a few visual descriptors , such as the iPhone 3GS ’s plastic back housing .

If you ca n’t actually launch the phone , whether because you do n’t have the access codification or no longer have one of those 30 - pin connectors , you’re able to still regain the simulation issue pretty easily . The number should feature prominently on the iPhone 7 or to begin with on the phone ’s back scale right below the “ iPhone ” logotype . It ’s a trivial bit more complicated with an iPhone 8 or later manakin . First , open up the SIM tray and look directly into the slot . The model numeral should be on the top edge of the open one-armed bandit , on the side closemouthed to the screen .

Don’t be like this guy. By the way this guy is me, and those phones are the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 3GS, and the iPhone 6.

Don’t be like this guy. By the way this guy is me, and those phones are the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 3GS, and the iPhone 6.Gif: Artem Golub / Gizmodo

The latest iPhones do n’t have a SIM tray , so instead , you ’ll need to look in the Lightning ( for iPhone 14 ) and USB - C ( for iPhone 15 ) ports for the model telephone number . It should be on the side closest to the screen , and you ’ll credibly require a torch or even a magnifying glass to translate off the numbers there .

How do you tell what kind of Android phone you have

It ’s a bunch more complicated to encounter out what sort of Android headphone you have due to the gauze-like variety of devices uncommitted . There are ways to get your phone model ’s number relatively painlessly , but sometimes , you ’ll need to be more set to discover your earphone ’s origins .

The most unfailing method acting is by front into the phone ’s preferences . First , afford up the preferences window through the notification shade , then scroll down until you see the “ About phone ” tab . you’re able to also obtain the earphone ’s IMEI numbers pool . This will heel the product name , modelling numeral , or perhaps both . Pixel phone should display the name conspicuously in that same place , but for the model act , you ’ll necessitate to reach the “ regulative labels ” tab instead .

On a Samsung sound , the model name will begin with a “ SM , ’ while Google Pixels will start with a “ G. ” However , other companies are much less consistent . OnePlus , Huawei , Motorola , and the other prominent phone Godhead have a variety of start letters on their models depending on the year and variation .

You can find the model number for newer iPhones inside the Lightning or USB-C port.

You can find the model number for newer iPhones inside the Lightning or USB-C port.Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

There are so many devices there that if your speech sound does n’t enjoin you the accurate name right in configurations , it ’s good to search for that manikin number on Google to discover the correct equipment .

But what happens if you ’re ineffectual to unlock your machine ? Well , then thing get more knavish . The telephone set model might be listed directly on the equipment , such as with older Samsung models , but newer telephone probably wo n’t have any easily usable identifier . You could meet your carrier if it still has some link , though you belike already have access to the machine at that point .

If you still have the box seat your phone do in , you may be able to feel the model number by see around the original barcode area ( or just look at the front of the box , of course ) . Some phone , like someHuawei models , allow you to remove the backplate , which will conspicuously display the model routine . Other phones might have that information available underneath the earphone ’s battery if they ’re old enough for that part to be easily obliterable .

The easiest way to find your Android phone’s model number is in settings. Otherwise, you may have to get creative.

The easiest way to find your Android phone’s model number is in settings. Otherwise, you may have to get creative.Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo

Need More Help?

How to Turn Off Find My iPhoneHow to Silence Notifications on the iPhoneHow to Access Netflix Games on iPhone8 Ways to Extend Your iPhone ’s Battery LifeSix Ways to Speed Up Your iPhoneHow To lock up Any iPhone App Behind Face ID , Touch ID , or a Passcode

require more of Gizmodo ’s consumer electronics picks ? Check out our guide to thebest phone , best laptops , good boob tube , andbest headphones . If you want to learn about the next big matter , see our guide toeverything we know about the iPhone 16 .

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